The Plano East Panthers are red hot to start the season, undefeated through their opening two weeks.

They’ll look to continue that streak against one of the new faces of 6A football, as the Panthers will host Prosper Rock Hill on Friday, Sept. 9. The Blue Hawks are off to a 1-1 start in the regular season, defeating Keller Timber Creek in their week two matchup. With both teams getting their final tune-ups before district play the following week, they’ll want to be at their best to create positive momentum Friday night.

Here are the three keys to Plano East defeating Rock Hill.

1. Create turnovers

The Plano East Panthers have struggled to create turnovers in their first two games of the season. The defense has surrendered 33.5 points per game over the two games, facing two good quarterbacks from Rowlett and Naaman Forest. For them to win in week three, the defense will have to win a few possessions against a Rock Hill team that has shown it can be explosive.

In Rock Hill’s opening loss to Justin Northwest, the Blue Hawks turned the football over five times en route to a 44-14 defeat. In their 42-17 win over Keller Timber Creek, the offense didn’t turn the ball over a single time. Plano East’s success will largely come down to how they can stand on that side of the turnover margin, needing a few to find a victory.

2. Stay balanced on offense

The offense for the Panthers has been explosive through two weeks, averaging 39 points per game. Quarterback Drew Devillier threw five touchdown passes in week two while running back Daniel Fayombo accounted for two more scores on the ground.

The Panthers have largely kept their offense balanced through their first two games between run and pass and keeping that balance will be key in week three.

Against Justin Northwest, Rock Hill struggled to account for both the run and pass in their loss, something Plano East can take into their next game. If Plano East can dictate the tempo and control their play calls, they can win in week three.

For the full story, see our Sept. 7 issue or subscribe online.